StrokeNCT06230718
EMG Analysis in ABI: Motor Imagery and Action
A study testing Motor Imagery (MI) and Action Observation (AO) in people with Stroke and Quality of Life, run by University of Salamanca at 1 site in Spain.
Trial summary
This study focuses on electromyographic analysis of upper limb muscle activation in stroke survivors during Motor Imagery (MI) and Action Observation (AO) rehabilitation techniques. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 99 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Stroke, Quality of Life, Mirror Movement
- What is being tested?
- Motor Imagery (MI) and Action Observation (AO)
- Could I receive a placebo?
- Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
- How many people
- 28 participants
- Where
- 1 siteSpain
- Study dates
- 1 Jan 2024to 30 Jan 2027
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 99 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Being over 18 years of age
- Diagnoses of established stroke
- Present limitations or motor response deficiencies in the upper limb
- Maintain cognitive functions with the ability to follow the instructions of the interventions and evaluations (MOCA>14)
Who cannot join
- Diagnosed with mental illness before the stroke
- Other systemic conditions on the central nervous system
- Cardiorespiratory system pathologies in severe cases
- Acute period, fever, muscle inflammation or myopathies
- Any type of vascular and organic insufficiency
- Liver disease or skin lesions in the area of application of the electrodes.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Spain1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
Universidad de Salmanca
Salamanca, Salamanca, 37007
Beatriz María Bermejo Gil, Dr., 622289468, beatriz.bermejo@usal.es
Ana María Martín Nogueras, 677510296, anamar@usal.es
About this study
Official title: Upper Limb Electromyographic Response to Motor Imagery and Action Observation in Acquired Brain Injury Patients.
This study focuses on electromyographic analysis of upper limb muscle activation in stroke survivors during Motor Imagery (MI) and Action Observation (AO) rehabilitation techniques. By measuring muscle activity in the wrist and finger flexors and extensors, the research seeks to understand the impact of MI and AO on motor function recovery post-stroke. Conducted at the University of Salamanca, the study involves stroke survivors participating in a series of three experimental sessions. The analysis will correlate electromyographic responses with functional independence, limb functionality, and cognitive factors. The research aims to contribute to the fields of occupational therapy and physiotherapy, offering insights into effective rehabilitation methods for improving quality of life in stroke survivors.
Read the detailed description
This study investigates muscle activation in the upper limbs of stroke survivors using electromyographic analysis during Motor Imagery (MI) and Action Observation (AO). Stroke, a major cause of disability, often results in motor impairments in the upper limb, impacting daily activities. The research focuses on innovative rehabilitation techniques based on neuroplasticity, such as MI and AO, stimulated by the discovery of mirror neurons.
The primary goal is to record upper limb muscle activation during MI and AO, using surface electromyography to measure activation in wrist and finger flexors and extensors. The study will also explore the relationship between electromyographic responses and factors like daily activity independence, limb functionality, quality of life, mental evocation ability, and cognitive impairment.
Conducted at the University of Salamanca, the study will recruit stroke survivors for a three-session experimental protocol involving control, MI, and AO conditions. Data will be analyzed with SPSS Statistics, ensuring anonymity and ethical compliance. The research aims to enhance understanding of effective neurorehabilitation techniques, contributing to the fields of occupational therapy and physiotherapy.
- Conditions
- Stroke, Quality of Life, Mirror Movement
- Being tested
- Motor Imagery (MI), Action Observation (AO), Control condition- placebo
- Keywords
- Stroke rehabilitation, Electromyography, Neuroplasticity, Upper Linb, Neurorehabilitation
- Medical subject headings
- Stroke
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Motor Imagery (MI)Other
mental process where an individual visualizes or imagines themselves performing a movement without actually executing it physically. This cognitive process involves the mental rehearsal of motor actions, engaging similar neural pathways that are used when physically performing the action.
Action Observation (AO)Other
rehabilitation technique based on the principle of observing actions to improve motor function and learning. This approach is rooted in the concept of the mirror neuron system, a group of neurons that are activated both when a person performs an action and when they observe the same action performed by others.
Control condition- placeboOther
Recording with images of landscapes without the presence of any person or animal that could evoke MI or OA.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Intervention group | Experimental | The intervention group will receive 3 experimental procedures
1. Placebo control
2. Motor Imagery- Active Comparator
3. Action Observation (OA) Active comparator muscle activation control by surface electromyography will be recorded in these three situations Receives: Other: Motor Imagery (MI); Other: Action Observation (AO); Other: Control condition- placebo |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Disability and Dependence Level - Barthel Index
A general measure assessing patient independence, evaluating performance in basic daily activities (ADLs).
Measured: Administered once, typically taking a few minutes.
Upper Limb Functionality - Action Research Arm Test (ARAT)
Assesses upper limb functionality post-cortical injury, involving manipulation tasks with various objects.
Measured: Administration time ranges from 5 to 15 minutes.
Cognitive Impairment - Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)
Evaluates mild cognitive dysfunctions across multiple domains, including attention, memory, language, and executive functions.
Measured: takes about 10 minutes for administration.
Perception Impairment - Loewenstein Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment (LOTCA)
Specific for occupational therapy in stroke patients, assessing visual, spatial, motor, and cognitive perception.
Measured: Duration varies based on the number and type of subtests administered.
Mental Evocation Ability - Mental Evocation of Images, Movements, and Activities Questionnaire (CEMIMA)
Measures the ability to mentally form visual and kinesthetic images of the hand/upper limb.
Measured: Duration varies
Quality of Life Perception - Stroke Impact Scale 16 (SIS-16)
A self-report measure focusing on physical aspects including strength, hand function, mobility, and ADLs.
Measured: 5-10 minutes.
Electromyographic Activity During MI and AO
muscle activity using surface electrodes on wrist extensors and flexors.
Measured: during the experimental setup
Secondary outcomes (9)
Age
birth age
Measured: 1 minute
gender
he gender with which the participant identifies
Measured: 1 minute
Marital Status
single, married, divorced
Measured: 1 minute
Education Level
he highest level of education
Measured: 1 minute
Economic Status
participant's economic
Measured: 1 minute
Affected Side
The side of the body affected by the stroke or injury
Measured: 1 minute
Dominant Side
The side of the body that is the participant's natural dominant side
Measured: 1 minute
Type of Lesion
specific type of brain injury
Measured: 1 minute
Time Since Injury
time since the participant had the brain injury or stroke.
Measured: 1 minute
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted30 Jan 2024
- Study start1 Jan 2024
- Primary completion30 Jan 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion30 Jan 2027 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for StrokeStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Not applicable
- Intervention model
- Single group
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 28 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Salamanca
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Ana María Martín Nogueras, University of Salamanca
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06230718
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- MIAO
- Status last verified
- Oct 2025
- First submitted
- 19 Jan 2024
- Last updated
- 7 Oct 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 7 Oct 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Upper Limb Electromyographic Response to Motor Imagery and Action Observation in Acquired Brain Injury Patients.
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06230718
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- MIAO
- Conditions
- Stroke, Quality of Life, Mirror Movement
- Keywords
- Stroke rehabilitation, Electromyography, Neuroplasticity, Upper Linb, Neurorehabilitation
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 28 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- University of SalamancaUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Jan 2024 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 30 Jan 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 30 Jan 2027 (estimated)
- First posted
- 30 Jan 2024 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This study focuses on electromyographic analysis of upper limb muscle activation in stroke survivors during Motor Imagery (MI) and Action Observation (AO) rehabilitation techniques. By measuring muscle activity in the wrist and finger flexors and extensors, the research seeks to understand the impact of MI and AO on motor function recovery post-stroke. Conducted at the University of Salamanca, the study involves stroke survivors participating in a series of three experimental sessions. The analysis will correlate electromyographic responses with functional independence, limb functionality, and cognitive factors. The research aims to contribute to the fields of occupational therapy and physiotherapy, offering insights into effective rehabilitation methods for improving quality of life in stroke survivors.
Detailed description
This study investigates muscle activation in the upper limbs of stroke survivors using electromyographic analysis during Motor Imagery (MI) and Action Observation (AO). Stroke, a major cause of disability, often results in motor impairments in the upper limb, impacting daily activities. The research focuses on innovative rehabilitation techniques based on neuroplasticity, such as MI and AO, stimulated by the discovery of mirror neurons.
The primary goal is to record upper limb muscle activation during MI and AO, using surface electromyography to measure activation in wrist and finger flexors and extensors. The study will also explore the relationship between electromyographic responses and factors like daily activity independence, limb functionality, quality of life, mental evocation ability, and cognitive impairment.
Conducted at the University of Salamanca, the study will recruit stroke survivors for a three-session experimental protocol involving control, MI, and AO conditions. Data will be analyzed with SPSS Statistics, ensuring anonymity and ethical compliance. The research aims to enhance understanding of effective neurorehabilitation techniques, contributing to the fields of occupational therapy and physiotherapy.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Not applicable
- Intervention model
- Single group
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 1
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Intervention group | Experimental | Other: Motor Imagery (MI), Other: Action Observation (AO), Other: Control condition- placeboThe intervention group will receive 3 experimental procedures 1. Placebo control 2. Motor Imagery- Active Comparator 3. Action Observation (OA) Active comparator muscle activation control by surface electromyography will be recorded in these three situations |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 99 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Being over 18 years of age
- Diagnoses of established stroke
- Present limitations or motor response deficiencies in the upper limb
- Maintain cognitive functions with the ability to follow the instructions of the interventions and evaluations (MOCA>14)
Key exclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Diagnosed with mental illness before the stroke
- Other systemic conditions on the central nervous system
- Cardiorespiratory system pathologies in severe cases
- Acute period, fever, muscle inflammation or myopathies
- Any type of vascular and organic insufficiency
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Motor Imagery (MI)mental process where an individual visualizes or imagines themselves performing a movement without actually executing it physically. This cognitive process involves the mental rehearsal of motor actions, engaging similar neural pathways that are used when physically performing the action. | Other | Intervention group |
| Action Observation (AO)rehabilitation technique based on the principle of observing actions to improve motor function and learning. This approach is rooted in the concept of the mirror neuron system, a group of neurons that are activated both when a person performs an action and when they observe the same action performed by others. | Other | Intervention group |
| Control condition- placeboRecording with images of landscapes without the presence of any person or animal that could evoke MI or OA. | Other | Intervention group |
Primary outcome
Disability and Dependence Level - Barthel Index
Time frame: Administered once, typically taking a few minutes.
A general measure assessing patient independence, evaluating performance in basic daily activities (ADLs).
Upper Limb Functionality - Action Research Arm Test (ARAT)
Time frame: Administration time ranges from 5 to 15 minutes.
Assesses upper limb functionality post-cortical injury, involving manipulation tasks with various objects.
Cognitive Impairment - Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)
Time frame: takes about 10 minutes for administration.
Evaluates mild cognitive dysfunctions across multiple domains, including attention, memory, language, and executive functions.
Perception Impairment - Loewenstein Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment (LOTCA)
Time frame: Duration varies based on the number and type of subtests administered.
Specific for occupational therapy in stroke patients, assessing visual, spatial, motor, and cognitive perception.
Mental Evocation Ability - Mental Evocation of Images, Movements, and Activities Questionnaire (CEMIMA)
Time frame: Duration varies
Measures the ability to mentally form visual and kinesthetic images of the hand/upper limb.
Quality of Life Perception - Stroke Impact Scale 16 (SIS-16)
Time frame: 5-10 minutes.
A self-report measure focusing on physical aspects including strength, hand function, mobility, and ADLs.
Electromyographic Activity During MI and AO
Time frame: during the experimental setup
muscle activity using surface electrodes on wrist extensors and flexors.
9 secondary outcomes
Age
Time frame: 1 minute
gender
Time frame: 1 minute
Marital Status
Time frame: 1 minute
Education Level
Time frame: 1 minute
Economic Status
Time frame: 1 minute
Affected Side
Time frame: 1 minute
Dominant Side
Time frame: 1 minute
Type of Lesion
Time frame: 1 minute
Time Since Injury
Time frame: 1 minute
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 7 Oct 2025.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Motor Imagery (MI) and Action Observation (AO) in people with Stroke and Quality of Life, run by University of Salamanca at 1 site in Spain.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 6 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 7 Oct 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Spain. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Beatriz María Bermejo Gil, Dr (622289468, beatriz.bermejo@usal.es), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Disability and Dependence Level - Barthel Index (time frame: Administered once, typically taking a few minutes.). The study lists 7 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 7 Oct 2025.